Top 5 Sunscreens for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Finding the right sunscreen for oily, acne-prone skin can be a challenge with so many out on the market. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I’ve suffered from acne since I was a teenager. Determined to find the best option for my skin, I reached out to my wonderful Instagram community to compile a list of the top 5 sunscreens for oily, acne-prone skin.
Before my trip to the Bahamas, I ran out of my Hero Force Shield SPF 30, which had been working okay for me. Since I was curious to find a more suitable sunscreen for my skin to take on the trip, I ordered Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30, based on positive reviews. However, the sunscreen made my forehead red, itchy, and super uncomfortable. I ended up giving to my husband, who I’m envious that he has no skin issues. This led me to crowd-source from my Instagram community after returning from my trip and hundreds of recommendations poured in!
Top 5 Sunscreens for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin – Instagram Followers’ Recommendations
Sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Without proper protection, your skin can suffer from sun damage, premature aging, and breakouts. The right sunscreen helps protect your skin without exacerbating oil production or clogging pores — preventing breakouts. Here are the top 5 sunscreens for oily, acne-prone skin recommended by my Instagram followers that have been tried and loved by many.
1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 is a holy grail for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. The formula is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and contains niacinamide, which helps calm inflammation and redness. It blends in effortlessly and leaves no white cast. This sunscreen helps protect against breakouts and is an essential acne sunscreen for those with acne prone skin care concerns. It is lightweight and silky and helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea and discoloration while providing broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. My Instagram followers rave about how well it works for acne-prone skin, and it’s perfect for wearing under makeup.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Niacinamide to reduce redness and inflammation
- Protects against breakouts
- Lightweight and perfect under makeup
2. EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 46
For those who want added coverage, the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 46 is an excellent choice. This tinted version of the UV Clear sunscreen helps even out skin tone while offering the same lightweight, oil-free formula that’s perfect for acne-prone skin. The tinted face sunscreen helps soothe sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Tinted formula to even out skin tone
- Leaves no white cast
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Great for sensitive and acne-prone skin
3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 (Also Available in SPF 50)
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 (Also Available in SPF 50) is a fan favorite among Instagram followers, especially for those with oily skin. It has a lightweight, velvety texture that smooths over the skin without leaving any sticky residue. It has a mattifying effect, making it ideal for controlling oil throughout the day. It’s also water and sweat-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor activities. *Lots of people also mentioned that Trader Joe’s has a dupe of this that they love!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Clear, weightless formula
- Matte finish ideal for oily skin
- Water- and sweat-resistant
- Great under makeup
4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 (Also available in SPF 100)
When it comes to high-performance sunscreens, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 is a go-to for oily, acne-prone skin. This sunscreen provides high SPF protection and features broad-spectrum defense against harmful UV rays. Non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture leaves skin hydrated and smooth with a velvety texture. Many of my followers love the fact that it’s suitable for both face and body use, offering SPF 60 (and even SPF 100 for those with extra-sensitive skin).
Why You’ll Love It:
- High SPF protection (SPF 60 and SPF 100)
- Non-comedogenic and oil-free
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing
- Water-resistant
*You may also want to check out La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear-skin Sunscreen SPF 60 and there’s a tinted mineral version, too.
5. Beauty of Joseon – Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ (Korean Beauty Brand)
For those looking to try something from the Korean beauty world, Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is a fan favorite. This sunscreen contains rice extract and grain-derived probiotics, making it incredibly soothing and nourishing for oily, acne-prone skin. Fitted with broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ to fend off UVA and UVB rays, this organic sunscreen comes in a lightweight cream texture that absorbs quickly into skin without leaving a white cast while keeping skin supple and hydrated. Formulated without oxybenzone, octinoxate and animal-derived ingredients, the Relief Sun is suitable for sensitive skin. *A few mentioned to only buy from Kbeauty retailers like Yesstyle or Stylevana, and not Amazon. Look for the white cap, not beige.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Rice extract and probiotics for soothing benefits
- Contains ingredients of EWG green grade
- Lightweight, matte finish
- Perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin
Honorable Mention: Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Tinted and Cerave Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30
Cerave offers two great options for oily, acne-prone skin:
- Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Tinted: Offers SPF 30 protection with a mineral-based formula that provides a slight tint to even out skin tone while protecting against the sun.
- Cerave Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: A lightweight, oil-free sunscreen that provides both sun protection and hydration without clogging pores.
Both are non-comedogenic, gentle, and great for those looking for affordable options.
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
When selecting the best sunscreen for oily, acne-prone skin, here are some key factors to consider:
- Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic: Make sure the sunscreen is labeled oil-free and non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores.
- Matte or Lightweight Formula: Choose a matte sunscreen to control shine or a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly.
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ensure your sunscreen offers both UVA and UVB protection for full sun protection.
- SPF 30 or Higher: Aim for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for adequate protection.
- Soothing Ingredients: Look for ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or rice extract to calm and hydrate acne-prone skin.
In addition to these top five recommendations, some suggested other Korean beauty brands like Innisfree and Purito Daily Soft Touch SPF 50. Again, the suggestions were to avoid purchasing these from Amazon.
You can definitely go down the rabbit hole with this because there are so many sunscreens out on the market geared towards oily, acne-prone skin. If you’d like to do more research, these are ones with multiple mentions:
- Peter Thomas Roth Max Vitamin D-Fense SPF 50
- Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral UV Tint Sunscreen for Face with SPF 30
- CosRX Daily Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen for Face SPF 50
- Epicurean Discovery X-treme Cream Propolis Sunscreen SPF 45
- Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 (I used this awhile back and liked it but my skin still felt oily)
- Tatcha Silken Sunscreen SPF 35
- Thrive Natural Care Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
- Biore UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 30
- Kao – Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ (From Japan)
- Kosas DreamBeam Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 PA++++
- Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Matte SPF 45
- Barefaced Sheer Protection SPF 50+
- Minori Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
- Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- DRMTLGY Anti-aging Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 45
- Dime Wonderscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Neogen Dermalogy Day-light Protection Airy Sunscreen SPF 50
- Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
- Versed Good Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 50
- Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
- Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50
- Face Reality Daily SPF 30 Plus
- Coola Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50
- Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- Sun Bum Face Sunscreen SPF 50
- Tula Skincare Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Summer Friday ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30
- Pavīse Dynamic Age Defense SPF 30
- Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Elemis Pro-Collagen Anti Aging Marine Cream SPF 30 (From Amazon)
- Clearstem YOUARESUNSHINE Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
- Coco Kind Daily Facial Sunscreen Lotion SPF 32
- Malorie Miles Skin Filter Glowy SPF
- Colorescience Unforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 (From Amazon) – Make sure to pick your skin tone
Conclusion
Crowd-sourcing from my amazing Instagram community, really helped with my research for the top five sunscreens for oily, acne-prone skin. These top recommended sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection, are oil-free, non-comedogenic, non-greasy, fast absorbing, lightweight and are formulated with soothing ingredients to keep your skin safe and healthy under the sun while preventing breakouts. As for me, I’ll be ordering the #1 recommended sunscreen, EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 and I’ll keep you updated!
A BIG thank you to those that provided their recommendations! Have you tried any of these sunscreens?
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